Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card

OTDA Home Resources for Working Families Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card

Overview

Once you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or cash benefits (Temporary Assistance) you receive an EBT card, also known as a Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC). The EBT card looks like a debit card. The EBT card allows you to buy groceries and other items with your cash benefits at participating stores and other locations.

EBT Card Lock

Use the new lock/unlock card feature to help you secure your EBT card and protect your benefits from scam-related theft.

Check Your EBT Balance

You can check your EBT balance by visiting ConnectEBT.com or by downloading the ConnectEBT App available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

It's the easy and free way to manage your EBT Card

  • Check your available balance anytime, anywhere
  • Review up to 15 months of transaction history
  • Confirm your last deposit
  • Change your PIN
  • Report damaged, lost, or stolen cards, and request a replacement card be mailed to you

First Time Mobile App and Website Users

You must register your EBT Card account and select your User ID and password by using either the ConnectEBT app or at ConnectEBT.com for access. Registering on either one also registers you on the other. Have your EBT Card handy when registering.

If you already have your ConnectEBT.com User ID and password, you're ready to use the same ID and password for the ConnectEBT App.

For more information:

Access Your Cash and SNAP Benefits

New York recipients may access their cash and SNAP benefits at participating EBT locations anywhere within New York State and nationwide. Cash benefits may also be accessed at participating ATM and authorized retail store locations.

Your EBT card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) are used at authorized retail stores with your cash or SNAP benefits. Many retail stores also provide cash back with your purchase. Check with the store for their cash back policy.

  • Swipe the card
  • Enter your PIN in the machine at the checkout line
  • Only you should enter your PIN
  • Always check and keep your receipts for your EBT purchases

You can use your EBT card at:

Cash Purchases

Any item may be purchased using your cash benefit account where EBT cards are accepted.

Please be advised that certain types of businesses are not allowed to let you use your EBT cash benefit to purchase items or to withdraw cash on their premises. This restriction applies whether the business is located in New York, in another state, or on Tribal lands.

Businesses are not allowed to let you use your EBT card, nor should you use your card, at:

  • Liquor stores
  • Wine stores
  • Beer/beverage centers
  • Race tracks
  • Casinos
  • Video lottery facilities
  • Off-track betting facilities
  • Commercial bingo facilities; and
  • Places that provide adult oriented entertainment in which performers take off their clothes or perform without clothes

For more information:

Toll-Free Customer Service Helpline

The toll-free number 1-888-328-6399 - is available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Russian, and Spanish to recipients 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

You may use the helpline to:

  • Check your SNAP or cash account balance information
  • Hear your last ten transactions
  • Request a printed 2-month statement of your account history
  • File a claim if you suspect that a transaction error occurred
  • Change your PIN
  • Report damaged, lost, or stolen cards, and request a replacement card be mailed to you

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